Nusrat Jahan takes on trolls

India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) celebrity candidate Nusrat Jahan on Thursday hit back at social media trolls for targeting her, describing these as "uncultured".

Jahan has been named as the TMC candidate from the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat in North 24 Parganas district along with fellow Bangla film actor Mimi Chakraborty, who has been fielded by the party from the Jadavpur constituency.

However, the announcement of their names on Tuesday was followed by a barrage of distasteful comments on social media, along with memes of their pictures and videos.

"I think this is the change that we are trying to bring about. Trolling is a new way of demeaning women. We want women to be given more respect," said Jahan.

"I don't know who these people are and why they indulge in such online abuse. I think they are simply uncultured. If they knew how to respect their mothers and sisters, they would've respected us as well," she said.

Asked about the challenges in her political foray, the 28-year-old said: "During the film promotions, it is our job to reach out to the people. As a political leader, I will have to ensure their welfare as well."